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When 
An afternoon in "Kokopelli" with Tree Climbing Planet in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Scott Schieber)you were younger, you climbed a tree, yes? Most people did. You probably used your arms and legs--and your knees and armpits once in a while--to scramble up the branches. Recreational tree climbing with a rope and saddle is a little bit more complicated than that, but just as much fun, and certainly less risky!
These days, when most children and adults are spending far more time inside than out, recreational tree climbing is an activity that immediately brings every climber "back to nature." Once you're hooked onto a rope with a saddle around your waist and a helmet on your head, the world slows down. You begin to relax as you go aloft, and lo and behold, you're feeling like a new person! Suddenly you might be seeing your climbing tree with different eyes, and you'll never look at a tree the same way again. You might be smelling the fragrance of a recent summer rain, or hearing the wake-up calls of birds looking for mates or protecting their young.
No matter how "old" you are, you'll find that tree climbing is a safe and unusual way to spend an afternoon! Try it out! TCI's Sunday beginners' climbs are always laughter-filled, and our private tree-climbing group outings are reputed to be the best way to celebrate a special occasion. If you come to our school with the people you work with, you may learn something about each of them that you didn't know before!
Whatever the reason or the season, we look forward to seeing you under the canopy of a beautiful climbing tree!
Private Group Climbs for Beginners
Tree climbing birthday parties always get
rave reviews!TCI private group climbs are tree-mendously popular special outings for scouts, school, camp, community and church groups--anyone who wants to organize a few hours of tree climbing for a large number of participants. These events can be scheduled any day of the week, depending upon the availability of our instructors. All group events are held in Blackburn Park at 3530 Ashford-Dunwoody Road at the intersection of Johnson-Ferry Road (maps) in Sueño, the big willow oak tree across from the Tennis Center.
Private group climbing events are just like our public Sunday afternoon Beginners' Climbs. When you arrive, all ropes will be set up. You'll get brief instruction with a climbing demonstration. Then you’ll put on harnesses and helmets and be ready to climb! Our group climbs are staffed with TCI-trained instructors who want each participant get the most out of their climbing experience. It’s a fun day for everybody!
Unlike our public Sunday events, the lower age limit for our private group climbs is seven years old, though we will permit one or two guests younger than seven at these. Most children younger than seven have difficulty performing the sequencing tasks needed for climbing, and their frustration sometimes overwhelms them. They require a good deal of the instructor's time, which means the other children have to wait longer. By the time they are seven, almost all children can easily do what's needed and all are successful climbers. At our public events, we have enough instructors that we can give little ones the extra time they need.
Cost:
See more pictures of our events and climbers in our Galleries.
Scheduling:
Please call us (404-377-3150) to discuss and plan your event. We do not schedule events through email. If your event gets rained out, we will either refund your deposit or try to come up with an alternative date for you.
Note: TCI does not host group climbing events during the months of December through March. It's no fun for new climbers when it's too cold! Weather permitting (temperatures above 50 degrees), we usually schedule events and begin our public climbs in April.
What to Wear:
Comfortable climbing clothes: long pants and a T-shirt (no shorts or dresses, please) and sturdy sneakers or closed-toe shoes. In cool weather, dress in layers. Outer clothes can be shed as people warm up.
What to Bring:
Any climber who uses an epi pen for insect bites or inhalant for asthma or other respiratory condition must bring their medication to the climb. We will send it up with the climber in a pouch attached to their saddle.
Large groups may want to bring outdoor toys such as soccer balls and frisbees for children to play with while they are not climbing.
Everyone should bring:
Insect repellent
Eyeglasses strap for those who wear glasses
Hair ties for long hair
Drinks and snacks (there are picnic tables onsite)
Camera (highly recommended!)
Souvenirs
Many people like to purchase souvenirs for memories or as party favors. TCI T-shirts are available in adult and children's sizes for $15 if purchased individually, or at a bulk rate of $12.75 for 10 or more. Please let us know ahead of time if you would like to take advantage of this offer so we can be sure to have enough in the correct sizes on hand. We also offer TCI stickers, caps, "Tree Climber" keychains/water bottle holders, and other items seen in our webstore. Scouts may want to purchase TCI logo patches.
Fun on a Sunday!
TCI's Beginners' Climb is meant for "children" of all ages with no tree climbing skills. We make it safe and easy! All equipment is supplied; all you need is loose clothing (T-shirt and long pants recommended), light shoes (closed-toe preferable), and some extra energy. In Summer, it's usually breezy and less hot under Sueño's branches. In the Fall, when temperatures start start to drop, dress in layers that can be shed as you start to warm up with exercise. Make sure to bring a camera — your family and friends will want to see pictures!
A lifetime memory for this mother and
daughter! (Photo by Stan Stalnaker)When you arrive, the 
Patrick's first time up under Treeman's
watchful eyes.instructors will have looped all the ropes over branches and tied all the knots. We'll show you how the climbing system works, how to tie a safety knot, and how to descend safely. All you have to do is slip into a tree-climbing saddle and helmet, and up you'll go! Once aloft, you'll be able to get to those first few branches and "hang out" with no trouble at all! Climbers can climb twice or even three times, depending on how many people are participating that day.
Do you think you won't be able to do this because you're out of shape? Think again! There have been only a very few first-time climbers who couldn't get up into our tree. Take a chance and try something different!
See more pictures of climbers and TCI events in our Galleries.
Dates: We will be climbing on the first and third Sundays in the Spring (except for April 21, when we'll be running an event at Earth Day Dallas, Texas) and Fall, and one Sunday a month during the summer, weather permitting. We do not hold public introductory climbs in the winter. Check our calendar to make sure, and then come on out! No reservations are required, but please contact us ahead of time if you want to bring a group of 6 or more. People who have long hair should tie it back in a ponytail, and closed-toe shoes are preferred.
Participants: Anyone age five and older is welcome to participate. Please note, however, that children at age five often have difficulty with the sequencing skills needed for climbing. By age six, most children can do what's required to get up into the tree.
Time: 2 - 5 p.m.
Location: Blackburn Park, entrance at 3530 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd. (at Johnson Ferry), Atlanta, GA 30319 (maps).
Cost: $25 per climber. Gift certificates are available in our store for public events. Please see our "Private Group Events" page for details about a special outing you may want to schedule.
